Originally released in 1971, What’s Going On is widely considered to be
Marvin Gaye’s master work. A social commentary on American life that remains
poignant 30 + years later, Berry Gordy was initially dead set against its
release, calling the single “uncommercial”. Thankfully the Motown execs
eventually relented and the song soon became a huge hit, going down in history
as one of the greatest R&B songs of all time.

"In 1969 or 1970, I began to re-evaluate my whole concept of what I wanted my music to say," Gaye once said about the creation of What's Going On. "I was very much affected by letters my brother was sending me from Vietnam, as well as the social situation here at home. I realized that I had to put my own fantasies behind me if I wanted to write songs that would reach the souls of people. I wanted them to take a look at what was happening in the world." The last thing Motown wanted its fans to think about, however, was "what was happening in the world." So with Gaye determined to shatter the label's hugely successful pop formula and address issues such as the Vietnam War, civil rights and the environment, Motown founder Berry Gordy was not pleased, to say the least. He claimed that "What's Going On" was the worst song he had ever heard. " - www.rollingstone.com